So here's my problem: Bike: '74 Norton Commando Job: New Tires, New Wheel Bearings, New Sprocket, New Chain Issue: Sliding the rear wheel into the Cush drive so that the wheel mounts completely. Details: So the Rear Wheel assembly goes like this, the axle is comprised of 2 separate spindles. The left spindle (short) which slides through the swing arm, the drum brake, and sprocket, and the right spindle which passes through the swing arm, the speedo drive, and the wheel hub eventually screwing into the left spindle (I'm eliminating the mention of the different spacers and their placement for simplicity's sake). The wheel mounts onto the drum brake and sprocket assembly by way of three large paddles coming out of the back of the drum brake and sprocket assembly. The wheel hub has three rubber dampened slots that fit the three paddles (similar to an electric socket). I replaced the rubber dampeners in the slots (the old ones were crumbling) and now the wheel will not mount completely to the assembly. I can mount it mostly, but am still shy of about a 1/4". I've tried lubing the posts which helped a little. No matter how much I pull I can't get that final 1/4" without running the risk of knocking the bike over. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to get that wheel fully mounted? I should mention that I'm doing this on my own. Any advice will be appreciated. I'm dying to get the bike on the road. Thanks ahead of time.

First in case you didn't know, the wheel will not and should not touch the brake drum/sprocket. it comes close.... The new hard, almost plastic, instead of rubber buffers do indeed make it tough to get the wheel paddles in there. I use silicone lube to help them slip in with additional violence sometimes required. After a little use they will get beat in and come apart and reassemble much easier.

That much I figured regarding the wheel not touching the brake drum. I've tried lubing but it still won't go all the way in. The problem is I've got about 1/8" inch in need more in order to fit the axle spacer between the swing arm and the speedo drive. I agree about the violence part, but am a little short-handed with regards to having someone there to make sure the bike doesn't tip, and tying it down is also tricky given the location.

On my combat, I have to spring the swing arm open a bit to get the RH spacer in(outboard of the speedo drive). It has alway been a very tight squeeze even with broken in rubber cush buffers... or even in the absence of the buffers. I have contemplated cutting the RH outboard down a bit in a lathe. I don't have the width of the swing arm with me but they will vary a bit. You may have an extra narrow one. Dave